Clip-on attachment that provides back support for children when on a swing that does not have back support

ABSTRACT

An attachment that provides back support for a child on a swing, where the swing does not already have a back support, is disclosed, as well as a method of using the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As a mother of four including an autistic child, I have seen my children fall backwards off of swings multiple times, since they are falling backwards there is no way for them to brace themselves with their hands so they often hit the back of their heads resulting in injury and fear of the swing. This device provides back support helping prevent the child from falling backwards but does not attach to the child therefore it does not confine the child to the swing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed in part to a compact, machine washable, portable child safety device that clips on to a swing and provides the child with back support and helps prevent them from injury caused by falling backwards off the swing. This product is useful for children who are not yet stable on a swing as well as physically challenged children. This device aids in the prevention of injuries from falling off the swing backwards, but does not confine or attach the child to the swing. It is e.g., made of machine washable material and can also be made with material that will withstand weather if the intent is for the device to be left out on a home playground.

The invention is also directed in part to a method of attaching the above-mentioned device to a swing that does not have a back support.

The invention is further directed in part to a method of using the device of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 machine washable fleece fabric

FIG. 2 is the product completed

FIG. 3 is the product attached to a swing

FIG. 4 is a child on a swing with the attachment

FIG. 5 is an example of directions for use and care of the attachment for the swing (e.g. SwingSafe™ device).

FIGS. 6 and 7 are directed to one preferred (non-limiting) embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides back support to a swing that does not provide back support. It is lightweight compact, washable, and can be made using several different types of fabric including fabric intended to withstand elements so it can be left on someone's personal swing. This device helps to prevent children who are not yet balanced from falling backwards off a swing that does not provide back support, as well as disabled children who may be at risk for falling off a swing backwards. The heaviest part of a toddler's body is often their head and when pushed on a swing without back support they often fall backwards. These falls can result in head injury or fear of swings. This product does not attach to the child, allowing the child to get off unassisted if able. This device assists children with learning to pump on their own and be confident they will not fall off the swing backwards. This device aids in the prevention of injury due to the child falling off the swing backwards. There have been several playground safety studies done and head injuries from the swing are more frequent when falling backwards because of the inability to put their hands out in front of them to buffer the fail. Head injures especially to very young children can be life threatening or fatal.

Relationship Between The Components

Picture 1 is the fabric. Any number of strong fabric types could be used. This is 2 fleece pieces sewn together but material made to withstand elements could be used in the case that it would likely stay attached to someone's personal swing.

Picture 2 is Grommets one is fastened securely on each top corner of the Fabric or Picture 1.

Picture 3 is strap material. 2 pieces of equal length are attached on either end of the bottom of the Fabric or Picture 1, and then sewn securely to 1 much longer piece of strap material that is sewn on one end to the fabric or FIG. 1 at equal distance between the first and second straps.

Picture 4 is Hook and Loop Tape. The bottom end furthest from the fabric or Picture 1 then has Hook and Loop Tape sewn securely to it with the corresponding Hook and Loop Tape piece then sewn up the middle if the fabric or FIG. 1 so that it can wrap around the swing and stick back to itself.

Picture 5 are removable metal clips or carabiner. They are place through the grommets or Picture 2 and clip onto the chains of the existing swing.

Picture 1 Item 1 is the fabric. Any number of strong fabric types could be used. This is two 8″ by 12″fleece pieces sewn together but material made to withstand elements could be used in the case that it would likely stay attached to someone's personal swing. The fabric used was out into a 8″ by 12″ rectangle, however different dimensions could be used as long at it fit s in between the chains of a standard swing.

Picture 2 Item 2 is Grommets, one is “fastened securely on each top corner of the Fabric or Picture 1 item 1. Many different kind of secure fasteners could be used as long as they are secure and strong enough.

Picture 3 item 3 is strap material many different kind of strap material could be used as long as the material is strong enough. Two pieces of equal length are sewn securely on either end of the bottom of the Fabric or Picture 1 item ‘I, and then sewn securely to a single much longer piece of strap material that is sewn on one end to the fabric or picture 1 FIG. 1 at equal distance between the first and second straps. There are a several different ways you could attach the straps or Picture 3 item 3 in order to provide adequate support and not allowing for a large enough space for a child to slip through.

Picture 4 item 4 is Hook and Loop Tape. The bottom end furthest from the fabric or Picture 1 item 1 has Hook and Loop Tape sewn securely to the front side of it with the corresponding Hook and Loop Tape piece then sewn up the middle if the fabric or picture 1 FIG. 1 so that it can wrap around the swing and stick back to itself.

Picture 5 item 5 are two removable metal clips or carabiner. They are placed through the grommets or Picture 2 item 2 and clip onto the chains of the existing swing. Several different kinds of clips or carabiners could be used as long as they are made of strong material and they are thin enough to attach onto the chains of the existing swing. Picture 6 item 6 was the needle and thread used for sewing.

How To Use The Invention

This invention would fasten to each of the two chains on a swing that does not have back support then the bottom strap wraps underneath the swing and attaches back to itself. When the child sits on the swing they will be sitting on the strap reinforcing the strap to stay with their body weight. The child would then swing on the swing having their back supported. Once they are done using the swing it would be unfastened and taken with the owner. The invention could also be made with material intended to be left outside and withstand the elements so someone could use it for their personal swing without having to take it off each time.

One embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 6. Therein, the device of the invention (alternatively referred to as “SwingSafe™” herein) appears with parts A-D labeled. The device is attached to a swing as follows:

Unfold SwingSafe™ so that the Metal Clips (A) are on top and the Velcro Strap (D) is hanging down. Fasten the Metal Clips (A) to the Swing's chains so that the bottom of the Fabric Back (C) reaches down past the top of the Swing Seat. Make sure the Metal Clips (A) are attached to the eye of the chain, so they are secured and will not slip. Adjust the Strap Lengths (B) as needed. (See FIG. (i)

The long Velcro Strap (D) should hang down behind the Swing seat. (See FIG. i)

Take the Velcro Strap (D) and run it down underneath the Swing Set, then up over the top of the Swing Seat so the Strap fastens to the Velcro in the front of the Fabric (See FIG. (ii) and (iii). Excess strap can loop over the back of the fabric and be attached to the Velcro on the Back. The child will sit on top of the strap.

Instructions for Care: Wash the SwingSafe™ by Hand or on Gentle Cycle in Cold Water. If there is a stain, treat it with one of today's stain treatments. Do not use Bleach, Rinse well and dry. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing back support and aid in the prevention of falling backwards off of a swing that does not provide back support.
 2. A method according to claim 1 requires person to attain the device and bring it to the location of the swing.
 3. A method according to claim 1 requires person to identify if the existing structure is stable prior to attaching the device.
 4. The method according to claim 1 requires the person to attach the device to each of the 2 existing chains of a swing that does not have back support.
 5. The method according to claim 1 that would have the strap wrap under the swing under then over the swing under child's bottom forming a circle around the swing and attach the strap back onto itself, making the size adjustable for different size swings.
 6. A method according to claim 1 that has the child sitting on the strap that secured around the swing using their body weight to add to the security of the attachment.
 7. The method according to claim 1, where the device does not secure the child to the swing.
 8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the device is attached only to the existing structure, this allows for the child to get off the front of the swing, once they no longer want to swing therefore it does not confine the child to the swing.
 9. The method according to claim 4 that requires the person to have a swing prior.
 10. The method according to claim 4 that requires a person to determine the swing is stable prior to attaching the device made from material intended withstand weather


11. An attachment that provides back support when a swing does not have back support, comprising the apparatus shown and described herein.
 12. The device of claim 11 which is lightweight, machine washable, and portable, however when made form material made to withstand weather it can be left on a home swing. 